Statement of Innovation
Opinion essay by DawnMarie Reynolds
Multiple Sclerosis (or MS as it is commonly referred to) is a debilitating, deadly disease for which there currently is no cure. Doctors, researchers and scientists work tirelessly day and night to find one; however, the best that can be said of a cure right now is that these folk have come merely “close” to finding one. In the eyes of some, “close” is as successful as anyone will ever come. In the meantime, treatments have been developed that can aid in the relief of the symptoms that come from an MS diagnosis. Liberation surgery, researched by Dr Paolo Zamboni is said to be one of the only treatments that can help deliver that relief. There are people who do not agree with the treatment and think that it is not worth the risk; however, it is possible that those who oppose it do not have a true understanding of what it means to live with this disease every single day.
I don’t know much about this disease but in the research I’ve done so far it’s my understanding that MS is an inflammatory disease in which the fatty myelin sheaths around the axons of the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This disease occurs in young adults and is more commonly found in females. It affects the ability of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other. Some of the symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, problems in speech, visual problems, and bladder and bowel difficulties. A controversial treatment in the temporary relief of these symptoms for those who suffer from this disease is called Liberation surgery. It is a procedure that is still in the research stage; however, it has been reported to have relieved many MS sufferers from the crippling symptoms. The treatments attempt to return function after an attack, prevent new attacks, and prevent disability. Liberation surgery consists of balloon angioplasty which is a technique that widens blood vessels in order to relieve the symptoms. It’s a very simple surgery to improve blood flow of narrow or obstructed vessels.
It is important for patients with MS to get special treatment as it will allow them to live (on average) 5 to 10 years longer. An article in the Globe and Mail stated that after a study of 65 patients who underwent the procedure 73% had no symptoms for the next 2 years. In addition to getting the treatment, people with MS need to maintain a well balanced diet and exercise regularly to help keep them healthy. The surgery is not yet performed in Canada because it is thought to be too dangerous of a procedure, but really, what procedure isn’t? If it can help people with MS know that they can fight this disease then why not go for it? Currently, patients with MS can only go to countries such as Poland, India, Mexico and Costa Rico for the liberation surgery.
MS is a very deadly disease that happens more and more often; however, with the right resources and the right research a cure can be found for this deadly disease. With over 500 patients treated for MS in Ontario every year, hospital lawyers and administrators should allow liberation surgery to be part of the standard treatment practice in Canadian hospitals as this can help people with MS have the knowledge that there are places close to their homes and families that they can turn to for help. If one day I get this horrible disease, I hope the liberation surgery will be available for me to have so I can go on and live a happy healthy life.
